Henri Proglio

Henri Proglio and EDF were prosecuted for favouritism in connection with dozens of consulting contracts awarded without competitive tender, valued at approximately €36 million at trial. The National Financial Prosecutor's Office sought a two-year suspended prison sentence and a €200 000 fine against the former chief executive.

Attribution

Personally implicated

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

After leaving EDF, Henri Proglio was due to become non-executive chairman of Thales. The plan stalled amid disagreement with the state as shareholder: the Economy Ministry proposed approximately €140 000 annually while Proglio reportedly requested €400 000, and his consultancy links to Russia's state nuclear group Rosatom were considered problematic for the chairmanship of a French defence company.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

While François Hollande had committed to closing Fessenheim, Henri Proglio defended continued operation of the site, whose reactors had received conditional authorisation for extended use. He characterised the closure as a political decision and indicated that EDF would seek compensation.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Henri Proglio opposed the proposed new electricity market organisation, which would require EDF to sell part of its existing nuclear output to competitors to increase competition. He believed the scheme risked weakening EDF's value and economic balance.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Appointed chairman and chief executive of EDF while remaining non-executive chairman of Veolia, Henri Proglio was initially due to receive approximately €1.6 million from EDF and €450 000 from Veolia. The situation caused nationwide controversy over governance, conflicts of interest and remuneration of a public company executive.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated

Proglio's first months at EDF were marked by confrontation with Anne Lauvergeon, chair of Areva, over the division of responsibilities and leadership of the French nuclear industry's exports. The dispute required intervention by the executive and the Prime Minister's office.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

Under Henri Proglio, Veolia expanded significantly internationally through acquisitions. At the end of his tenure, criticism focused on increased debt following transactions in Germany and Italy, a substantial share price decline after 2007 and the failure of a proposed rapprochement with Suez.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility

The FO general secretary for Veolia's water division publicly accused Henri Proglio of having dismissed six trade unionists, who had to bring legal proceedings to obtain reinstatement. The episode contradicted Proglio's image as a leader committed to social dialogue.

State of the evidence

Documented